Harry had been spending the summer with the Dursleys…again…after the happenings at the Ministery of Magic during the end of the school year before. He couldn't believe that Sirius was gone and that he would never have the ability to see his godfather again. A week had been spent at the Dursleys' in which Harry had wallowed in sarrow and refused food, not that the Dursleys especially cared. Harry simply lie there and die, provided that he didn't stink up Aunt Petunia's spick and span house.
Other than the spread of rumors and a week's worth of the Daily Prophet, the only friendly owl he had received was from Dumbledor. The letter had told Harry that Dumbledor expected to be picking Harry up on Friday at midnight. When Friday came around, Harry could be found sitting on his bed in pretty much the same condition as the days before. The only exception that showed life and sign of movement was that his trunk was packed and Hedwig was secured inside her cage. The Dursleys' had no idea that their home could soon be invaded by the very thing they feared most, the strange and unusual, and Harry was desperately hoping that Dumbledor would make an appearance.
When midnight finally rolled around, Harry heard a sharp rap on the front door. The Dursleys, lingering in the living room downstairs, loudly questioned what strange individuals would come calling so late in the night. Harry quickly jumped off his bed and leapt down the stairs before diving to answer the door before Uncle Vernon could even waddle out of the living room.
"What are you doing, boy? Figures the inconsiderate vermin would be a guest of yours," Uncle Vernon seethed as the vein pulsed at his temple. Harry quickly opened the door to reveal Dumbledor wearing his usual array of style.
"Professor Dumbledor," Harry quickly greeted.
"Don't think your guest is going to be allowed in our house, boy! Your kind ought to take business elsewhere. We don't need you freaks skulking around, meeting during the late hours of the night," hissed Uncle Vernon as he stormed toward Harry, with every intention of slamming the door.
"Ah, good evening. You must be Vernon," Dumbledor stated with the usual sparkle in his eyes. "It has been many years since I have had the pleasure of paying a visit to your home. Unfortunately, I have very little time in which to bask in the bliss of your company. I have simply come to retrieve Harry, as my letter stated earlier this week. Though I can tell from your vacant expressions that you were not informed of this particular arrangement," he mused. As Dumbledor had been talking, he had managed to walk into number four Privet Drive and into the living with the front door closing with a faint click. When he sat down on the couch, with Harry quickly joining him, the Dursleys could be seen squished onto the loveseat and as far away from the two wizards as possible.
"I apologize that my presence here this evening has so disturbed you. regrettably the situation cannot be helped and I assure you that we will not impose on you for too long. Harry, please go upstairs and retrieve your things, I need to have a brief discussion with your family," Dumbledor stated with a bit of scolding at the end. Harry didn't need to be told twice that they would be leaving before he quickly scrambled out of the room and up the stairs.
"As you can see, I have come to personally insure the safe travels of your nephew. In addition to that I must tell you that the protection that had previously been given to your house, since you allowed Harry under your roof, will be revoked when he leaves here tonight. I am aware that he is underage, but he will be taken care of, of that you can be assured. After tonight he will never have to return to your home, not even for next summer. Tonight, will most likely be the last time you will ever see your nephew, unless Harry chooses for it to be otherwise. Though I doubt that Harry will want to return here should he survive this war, and I surely hope he does survive," Dombledor stated in much the same manner one would when commenting on the weather.
"WAR?!" The Dursleys all blurted out with bugging eyes.
"What the hell do you mean a war? Are you freaks killing each other off? It's about dam time if you ask me, you'll all crazy the lot of you," Vernon sputtered and ended by slamming his pudgy fist into his flabby hand.
"Yes, the wizarding world is currently at war. Harry is actually one of the most important fighters in it. The other side's leader his attempted to kill your nephew multiple times, certainly he has told you. Ah, but of course not, that would mean that you would have to actually care about his life and well-being. Harry is a very powerful wizard, but these are dangerous times for all. Just last week an attempt was made on Harry's life for, I believe, the sixth time. That's quite a few murder attempts against one boy going into his sixth year of Hogwarts."
"Preposterous, this is all rubbish."
"Sadly no, but don't fret. Like I said before, Harry will be in good hands and you can go back to simply having muggles living in your house after tonight," Dumbledor sighed.
"You mean we are finally rid of that ungrateful boy?" Vernon asked astonished.
"I never have to come back?!" Harry gasped as his trunk was dropped to the floor along with a shrieking Hedwig.
"That's right Harry. Now, we had best be off. Molly will be waiting for you at the Burrow and I'm sure you would like to get there and rest. After all, young Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger are will both be there to see you in the morning," Dumbledor smiled at Harry and made both Hedwig and Harry trunk disappear. "No need to travel heavy, now is there? I suggest you hold on tight, Harry." With that, Harry grabbed onto Dumbledor's offered arm and the two disappeared from the Dursleys' living room with barely a pop.
Harry and Dumbledor had arrived at the Burrow within a few seconds of leaving the Dursleys' living room. Dumbledor stayed for a only a moment to wish Harry good luck, good morning, and a happy summer before disappearing with a pop. Harry quickly headed towards the back door of the Weasleys' home and into the kitchen. Inside Mrs. Weasley had been waiting up. She quickly greeted him, feed him, and moved him up to bed with a frazzled and strained air and the promise of explanations and information in the morning.